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Lionel Messi, the Argentine-born soccer legend, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
As of 2024, Messi's estimated net worth stands at a staggering $650 million, reflecting his enduring success both on and off the field.
Messi's beginning and financial milestones
Messi's journey to becoming a soccer icon began at FC Barcelona, where he started playing as a teenager.
Over two decades with the club, he scored an incredible 672 goals in 778 games.
His phenomenal performance earned him eight Ballon d'Or awards, solidifying his reputation as the world's best male soccer player.
In August 2021, Messi transitioned to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) before making his latest move to Inter Miami in 2023.
Messi's impressive net worth is the result of a combination of lucrative contracts and substantial endorsement deals.
While playing for Barcelona, Messi signed a record-breaking contract in 2017, earning an average base salary of $168 million per year.
Even before joining Inter Miami, his annual earnings were bolstered by approximately $40 million from endorsements, bringing his total annual income to around $200 million.
In 2023, Messi made headlines with his historic transfer to Inter Miami, a team co-owned by soccer legend David Beckham.
The deal reportedly offers Messi a salary of $1.03 million per week, or $54 million annually, over four years.
This contract also includes a revenue-sharing agreement with Apple, tied to subscriptions for the MLS Season Pass, further enhancing his earnings.
Messi's endorsements and business ventures
Beyond his salary from soccer, Messi has built a significant portion of his wealth through endorsements.
He has been a prominent face for Adidas since 2006, having switched from Nike at the age of 14.
His lifetime deal with Adidas includes a signature collection of boots and his own sub-brand, Adidas Messi.
Additionally, a leaked contract from June 2023 revealed that Messi signed a three-year deal worth up to $25 million to promote tourism in Saudi Arabia.
Last week, Messi announced that he will launch a sports drink brand called "Mas+".
The beverage is said to contain a mix of electrolytes, vitamins, and antioxidants, with natural flavors and no artificial sweeteners or colors.
The new brand also boasts that their drinks contain only 10 calories per 16.9 oz bottle.
One of the flavors announced is called 'Miami Punch', a tribute to Messi's current club.